Presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) for the 2027 general election, Peter Obi, has praised Afrobeats star Davido for using his platform at the 2026 FIFA World Cup countdown concert to draw international attention to Nigeria’s security challenges.
Obi, in a statement shared via his official X handle late Sunday, described the singer’s action as a patriotic gesture that went beyond entertainment to spotlight the plight of victims of insecurity and abduction in the country.
The former Anambra State governor was reacting to Davido’s appearance at the World Cup countdown concert, where the award-winning musician wore a customised leather jacket bearing the names of pupils and teachers reportedly abducted in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State.
The jacket also featured a bold inscription on the back that read, “Bring Them Home.”
Commending the singer’s action, Obi said the gesture deserved recognition for drawing global attention to an issue affecting many Nigerian families.
“Davido’s impactful gesture in drawing global attention to Nigeria’s security challenges warrants commendation. He prominently displayed the names of schoolchildren who had been held captive for an extended period, advocating for their safe return,” Obi wrote.
“By utilizing his international platform, Davido effectively highlighted Nigeria’s security crisis, transcending mere entertainment.”
Obi argued that the level of insecurity across the country requires urgent attention and broader international awareness, particularly in light of the recurring incidents of kidnappings and violent attacks affecting communities across Nigeria.
The former governor also linked the conversation to broader concerns about leadership and youth development, reiterating his earlier position on Nigeria’s failure to qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
According to him, the country’s absence from football’s biggest tournament was not due to a shortage of talent but rather a failure of political leadership to create an enabling environment for growth and development.
“Nigeria’s absence from the World Cup, as I previously stated, stems not from a lack of talent but from a conspicuous deficiency in political leadership that has failed to create an enabling environment for talent development,” Obi stated.
He noted that Nigerians continued to make significant contributions to the tournament despite the Super Eagles’ absence, citing the participation of Nigerian entertainers and athletes representing other countries.
“This assertion is underscored by two notable occurrences during the tournament: the vibrant participation and impressive performances of Nigerian artists, and the presence of numerous Nigerians representing other nations on the field.
“These observations present a significant imperative for Nigeria’s political leaders to actively foster an environment in which the nation’s youth can fully realize their potential,” he added.
Nigeria’s presence at the tournament has been particularly visible through its music industry. Four of the country’s biggest music stars—Davido, Burna Boy, Rema and Ayra Starr—feature prominently on the official 2026 FIFA World Cup soundtrack album.
The cultural showcase began at the tournament’s opening ceremony in Mexico City, where Burna Boy joined Colombian pop star Shakira for a performance that entertained thousands of football fans at the Estadio Azteca.
Rema also featured prominently during the opening ceremony, performing alongside BLACKPINK’s Lisa and Brazilian singer Anitta in a live rendition of their collaborative track, “Goals.”
Davido’s appearance at the countdown concert and his decision to spotlight the plight of abducted schoolchildren have since generated widespread reactions on social media, with many Nigerians praising the singer for using a global stage to advocate for victims of insecurity and call for their safe return.